Return lines from sump

[njbeacher]

I am setting up a sump. The tank is not drilled, so I will be using a hob overflow. My question is...the return line will go over the top of the tank. Does anyone else attach the hose to the aquarium so it does not accidentally slip off and flood the floor? I cannot find clips to attach the hose to the top lip of the tank. Anyone point me to the right place?
Thanks.

 

[sts]

If you are using the clear line (for potable water) for your return you can go to your hardware store and purchase a barb that screws into pvc a fitting to slip the hose onto. Make sure you use a clamp to avoid leaks. Use two 45degree bends and sections of pvc pipe to angle it down into the aquarium. So this is the order. 1. hose onto a barb 2. barb (teflon tape on threads) screws into pvc fitting 3. section of pvc pipe (length of your choice but if room at least 6" for down weight) slides into fitting with barb 4. 45degree bend at other end of pipe 5. section of pvc pipe (just long enough to span over the top lip of the aquarium) 6. another 45degree piece angeled straight down 7. another section of pvc pipe down into the aquarium What you end up with is a 90degree bend that goes straight down in to the aquarium. This holds the return in place. Make sure you get some pvc glue (keep in mind once glued they do not come apart) to keep all your fittings from leaking. Don't forget to drill a small hole in the pvc (45 fitting or pipe) above the water line, but below the tank edge to brake siphon. Last (optional) use a piece of thick foam (like a pond filter) to muffle the water squirting out of the hole you drilled. Just cut a square out of the foam (obviously bigger then the diameter of the pipe) and cut a hole in the center. Now slide the pipe through the hole until it covers the hole. If you have any questions or want pics of this email me at serenitytank@sbcglobal.net

 

[sts]

Did that work for you?

 

[1fast300z]

For returning water to my display tank I used PVC pipe, with very strong glue. (so the joints wouldnt come apart). I have had it running for 6 months with zero problems/leaks. I have the pvc pipe enter water back in on both sides.
Pics below.

 

[geridoc]

I use PVC pipe, but unlike 1fast, i run the pipe down to the bottom inside the tank. There is an L on the bottom, and a T just below the surface so that water enters near the top and bottom of the tank. I feel that this produces better flow throughout the tank (it is a 110x, so it is pretty high). I use PVC solvent to weld the PVC pieces together. The system has been in place for 11 years without a sign of salt creep or leakage at the joints.

 

[1fast300z]

Great Idea man, I am actually going to be doing that in the next few days. Makes perfect sense considering I have a mag12 for the return. I can see how that produces excellent water circulation, thanks for the tip !

 

[njbeacher]

Not exactly. I was looking for a clamp of some sort to secure a hose to the lip of the tank. I was considering using flexible tubing for the return vs pvc.

 

[1fast300z]

I have not worked with flexible tubing and Have not seen any reef setup's using this. I am sure it will work but may be a little more of a hassle in the long run. The tubing will probably shake behind the aquarium from the water being forced through it and this could make some noise. I originally bought a hose with an adapter to screw onto my mag12 return pump but realized it would do very poorly circulating the water back into the aquarium. Unless you can run the tube in several sections of the aquarium I would go with PVC pipe, you can do a lot with it by using joint connectors.
Good Luck

 

[threed240]

You can purchase a couple of Street L's. These will fit together and slide over the edge of the tank. When they are pressed firmly together they will not come apart under pressure from your return pump, and they space between the two L's is just right to hang over the side of your tank. Mine has been running strong for 6 months with no problems.

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by Threed240
You can purchase a couple of Street L's. These will fit together and slide over the edge of the tank. When they are pressed firmly together they will not come apart under pressure from your return pump, and they space between the two L's is just right to hang over the side of your tank. Mine has been running strong for 6 months with no problems.
What's a "Street L?"

 

[teresaq]

look at lowes in the plumbing-pvc i got some there

 

[threed240]

It is a 90* fitting with a male end, and a female end. Its designed for a closer turns. They work great! I'll try and post a pic tonight.

 

[judyk]

You can get a directional u tube from most fish stores that are made for this. They are pretty cheap. I have them on my tanks and they work fine.

 

[threed240]

Heres a pic.